Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef with a variety of fresh vegetables. On a chilly evening, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to fill the belly and warm the soul. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but is also perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a medley of tastes and textures that make this soup special, turning even the simplest ingredients into a flavorful experience.
Reasons to try it
This delightful dish radiates warmth and comfort, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner, especially during fall and winter months. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to whip up this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup:
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward instructions and minimal prep, you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing ground beef and common vegetables makes this soup an economical choice for feeding a crowd.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vitamins from the veggies and protein from the beef, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
"This soup was a hit with my family! They couldn’t get enough of it and I loved how easy it was to make."
Step-by-step overview
Creating a delicious pot of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a simple five-step process. You’ll start by sautéing the onions and garlic, then brown the beef to unlock a deep flavor. Next, you’ll add in the vegetables, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings before letting the soup simmer to perfection. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning for a final burst of flavor!
What you’ll need
Gather these ingredients to create this hearty soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, corn, green beans)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Feel free to customize this soup based on what you have on hand. For instance, zucchini or bell peppers can easily be substituted for a varied flavor profile!
Directions to follow
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and infused with aroma.
Introduce the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks until browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it now.
Next, stir in the chopped carrots and celery. Allow these to cook together for an additional 5 minutes, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and mixed vegetables, along with oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Enjoy warm, perhaps with crusty bread on the side!
Best ways to enjoy it
This soup shines on its own, but there are plenty of ways to enhance your meal! Serve it hot in rustic bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a hearty slice of sourdough or a crunchy salad for a well-rounded dinner. For a cozy night in, why not enjoy it with some homemade garlic bread?
How to store & freeze
To keep your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup as fresh as possible, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, which allows the flavors to blend again. If you want to hold on to it for longer, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave a little space in the container for expansion!
Helpful cooking tips
- Browning the beef: For the best flavor, be sure to let the beef brown thoroughly. This caramelization adds depth to your soup.
- Fresh herbs: Consider adding a bay leaf during simmering for extra flavor, just don’t forget to remove it before serving.
- Veggie variations: Don’t hesitate to throw in any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge to make this soup uniquely yours.
Creative twists
Feel free to switch things up! You can add a bit of spice with a dash of cayenne pepper, or make it richer by including potatoes. A spoonful of pesto or a dollop of sour cream just before serving can introduce exciting new flavors. If you’re following a low-carb diet, swap out the potatoes and carrots for zucchini or cauliflower.
Common questions
Q: How long does this soup take to make?
A: From start to finish, you can expect this soup to take around 30-40 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day when the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in the fridge or freezer.
Q: What can I substitute for ground beef?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute can work beautifully in this recipe.
Q: How do I safely store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Just be sure to let it cool before refrigerating.
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a nourishing hug in a bowl. With its ease of preparation and comforting flavor, it’s no wonder homes have made it a staple on chilly evenings. Grab your ingredients, and let the cooking magic begin!
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Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty soup that combines rich flavors of beef with fresh vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, corn, green beans)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in chopped carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and mixed vegetables, adding oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.
Notes
Add fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American